Edmonton, AB, January 20, 2026 – RDAR (Results Driven Agriculture Research) is pleased to announce the appointment of Jeff Kroll, a veteran food-industry leader and former senior Vice-President and Chief of Staff at McDonald’s Canada, to its Board of Directors as a special appointee for a one-year term. Mr. Kroll brings decades of expertise in Canadian beef supply chains, value-added processing, sustainability, and private-sector partnership building.
Mr. Kroll’s 40-plus-year career at McDonald’s Canada includes leadership of the company’s multi-billion-dollar supply chain, oversight of relationships with key Canadian processors and ingredient suppliers, and guidance on food safety, distribution, risk management, and sustainability. Deeply connected to Canada’s beef industry, Mr. Kroll has been a strong advocate for traceability and consumer trust, collaborating with ranchers and processors to strengthen the integrity of the “farm-to-burger” supply chain.
Under Mr. Kroll’s executive leadership, the company championed sustainability by pioneering Canada’s verified sustainable beef pilot—facilitating third-party assessments and driving progress toward national standards. McDonald’s became the first in the country to serve CRSB-certified sustainable Canadian beef, starting with Angus, and now sources at least 30% of the beef for its Quarter Pounder from CRSB-certified producers. In addition, McDonald’s Canada strengthens its commitment to local agriculture by partnering with Alberta’s potato industry through McCain Foods for its fries, and by sourcing Canadian milk and eggs to serve its national markets.
Mr. Kroll’s appointment also reflects his broader service to Alberta’s livestock sector; he previously served on the Board of the Alberta Livestock and Meat Agency (ALMA), contributing industry expertise to a provincial effort to revitalize the livestock and meat value chain.
Speaking to today’s announcement, Dr. Mark Redmond, RDAR CEO, said: “RDAR is delighted to welcome Mr. Kroll to the Board at a pivotal moment, as the organization accelerates its efforts to expand Alberta’s value-added sector and unlock new market opportunities for Alberta beef. With his unique expertise at the intersection of production, processing, and market demand, Jeff brings an invaluable perspective to our mission. His leadership will help RDAR drive innovation, enhance product value, and strengthen Alberta’s reputation for quality and sustainability – benefiting producers, processors, and consumers both locally and globally.”
Commenting on his appointment, Mr. Kroll said: “I’m honoured to join RDAR’s Board. Alberta’s beef sector is a global exemplar of innovation and stewardship. I look forward to helping RDAR bridge applied research with on‑the‑ground practice – so ranchers, feeders, and processors can capture more value sustainably.”
About RDAR
Results Driven Agriculture Research (RDAR) is a not-for-profit organization, mandated to target strategic investments in producer-led, results-driven agriculture research to power the profitability, productivity, competitiveness, and sustainability of agriculture in Alberta. RDAR's funding comes from the Government of Alberta and the Government of Canada through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership. For more information, please visit: www.rdar.ca
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For all enquiries, please contact:
Richard Hilton, Manager, Stakeholder Relations and Communications
richard.hilton@rdar.ca